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By Samuel Peters
Emma Raducanu earned her first win at the US Open since her memorable 2021 title triumph as she ruthlessly swept aside Japanese qualifier Ena Shibahara.
British number one Raducanu needed only 62 minutes to secure a 6-1 6-2 victory on the opening day of the hard-court Grand Slam in New York.
It was the quickest Grand Slam main-draw victory of her career
New coach Francisco Roig, who helped Rafael Nadal to his 22 major titles, led the vocal support from her courtside box – although there was little guidance or input needed.
“It’s my first win here since 2021 so it feels extra special,” Raducanu said.
“I’ve got amazing people in my corner. It makes every day of work more pleasurable.”
Returning to the scene where she shocked the world as a teenage qualifier has previously been a burden for 22-year-old Raducanu.
Chastening first-round defeats in 2022 and 2024 came either side of missing the 2023 tournament through injury.
This year she is back at Flushing Meadows with improved form and a renewed vigour.
Raducanu has won more WTA Tour-level matches this year than ever before and has climbed to the cusp of the top 30 in the world rankings.
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